Zeke Correll
FILE - Then-Ohio State's linebackers coach Al Washington celebrates a win against Michigan after an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019. First-year Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman knows success in the 2022 season will depend on how strong the Fighting Irish will be on the offensive and defensive lines. Al Washington is in charge of the defensive line. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, FIle)
For new coach Freeman, Notre Dame success starts in trenches

By John Fineran Apr. 11, 2022 02:26 PM EDT

Notre Dame wide receiver Avery Davis (3) celebrates his four-yard touchdown reception with quarterback Jack Coan (17) against Southern California in the first half of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Notre Dame's o-line goes from question mark to strong spot

By Caroline Pineda Nov. 10, 2021 05:23 PM EST

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly gestures to his team in overtime of an NCAA college football game against Florida State Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
No. 9 Irish have plenty of work and short week for Toledo

By John Fineran Sep. 06, 2021 05:27 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2021, file photo, Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer (87) gains yardage after a catch as Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) moves in to make the stop in the second half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has seen the offense come together behind quarterback Jack Coan, a grad transfer from Wisconsin, and preseason All-American candidates in running back Kyren Williams, tight end Michael Mayer, center Jarrett Patterson and guard Cain Madden, another grad transfer. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)
No. 9 Notre Dame out to score more points with new QB, line

By John Fineran Aug. 25, 2021 03:52 PM EDT

Notre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees huddles with the offense during Notre Dame Fall Camp on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at Irish Athletics Center in South Bend, Ind. (John Mersits/South Bend Tribune via AP)
Kelly: Irish prepared in case COVID numbers spike again

By John Fineran Aug. 07, 2021 04:13 PM EDT

Irish hoping offensive flexibility will produce more points

By John Fineran Apr. 07, 2021 01:13 PM EDT
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Getting to the College Football Playoff hasn’t been a problem for Notre Dame. Staying in it has for Brian Kelly’s Fighting Irish, who...

FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2020, file photo, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly directs his team during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP, File
Notre Dame seeking a jumpstart against Alabama in CFP semi

By John Fineran Dec. 29, 2020 04:37 PM EST

FILE - Notre Dame running back Kyren Williams (23) fends off Clemson Tigers safety Nolan Turner (24) on his way to a touchdown during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in South Bend, Ind., in this Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020, file photo. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat the Clemson Tigers in a thrilling 47-40 shootout earlier this season. The big question now is if they can do it again. (Matt Cashore/Pool Photo via AP, File)
With Lawrence back Clemson-Notre Dame meet for ACC title

By Steve Reed Dec. 18, 2020 02:39 PM EST

Notre Dame's Kyren Williams (23) scores on a one-yard against North Carolina during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
No. 2 Notre Dame rolling behind talent and quality depth

By John Fineran Dec. 01, 2020 04:57 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2020, file photo, North Carolina's Javonte Williams (25) breaks away from Virginia Tech's Rayshard Ashby (23) on a 19-yard run for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. Williams' 25th-ranked Tar Heels host No. 2 Notre Dame on Friday. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP, File)
No. 2 Notre Dame visits No. 25 UNC in pivotal ACC matchup

By Aaron Beard Nov. 26, 2020 09:32 AM EST

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book, left, celebrates his touchdown with offensive lineman Tommy Kraemer (78) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Boston College, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Book It: Quarterback makes No. 2 Irish legitimate contenders

By John Fineran Nov. 17, 2020 02:50 PM EST